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RUTH ADELINE DUAY WIGGINS

Ruth Adeline Duay Wiggins passed away peacefully at the age of 84 at her home in Patterson on Thursday morning, October 31, 2024.

Those she leaves to cherish her beautiful memory include her devoted husband, Harry Lee Wiggins; two sons, Bryan Wiggins and his wife Erin and Shane Wiggins and his wife Tiffiny; five grandchildren, Bryan Charles Wiggins, Charlotte Elizabeth Wiggins, Carlie Wiggins Byrd and her wife Rachel, Cayla Wiggins Morris and her husband Colt, and Cameron Austin Wiggins; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Vera Thompson Duay; her father, James Avery Duay Sr., her brother and sister-in-law, James Avery Duay Jr. and Janis Williams Duay; her sister and brother-in-law, Erna Duay Thibodeaux and Gerald Thibodeaux; her brother, Carl O'Neal Duay; her grandson, Easton James Wiggins; her niece, Anette Thibodeaux Womack; her sisters-in-law, Sandra Wiggins Messenger and Cynthia Wiggins Cothron; her brother-in-law, Terry Wiggins; and her mother-in-law, Annie Vallet Wiggins; and her father-in-law, Harry Paul Wiggins.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed Monday, November 4th, at St. Bernadette's Church Hall in Bayou Vista beginning at 10:00 AM until 11:20, at which time family and friends will proceed to the church for the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 11:30AM.

Funeral Services will be held Monday at St. Bernadette Catholic Church during a 12:00 noon Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum in Patterson. Father Thainese Alphonse will be the Celebrant for the Mass and conduct the services.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bryan Charles Wiggins, Cameron Wiggins, Beau Wiggins, Peter Wiggins, Tommy Wiggins, and Larry Vasquez.

Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Ruth's memorial page at www.iberts.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc. 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

Berwick Lighthouse Festival

The Berwick Lighthouse Festival drew people to the riverfront Saturday for food, live music, arts and crafts, and more. Fireworks over the river were on the schedule for 9 p.m. Saturday. The festival continues Sunday with an 8 a.m. riverfront Mass and includes a parade at 1 p.m. among other events.

The Review/Bill Decker

All Souls' Day Mass at St. Joseph

The congregation at Patterson's St. Joseph Catholic Church observed All Souls' Day on Saturday with a Mass, conducted by Pastor Herbert Bennerfield Jr., in the church cemetery. All Souls' Day, observed Nov. 2 each year, is a day to offer prayers for the faithful who have passed away.

The Review/Bill Decker

Collecting for Project Graduation

Patterson High School's Project Graduation was out Saturday on Catherine Street, collecting donations with a can shake. Project Graduation puts on a safe celebration for graduating seniors each spring, and uses some of the money it raises through the year for cash prizes.

The Review/Bill Decker

Public notices for Nov. 1, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH RECREATION
DISTRICT #3 BAYOU VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER
1333 BELLVIEW STREET
P.O. BOX 635
PATTERSON, LA 70392
985-395-6552
The Board of Commissioners of the St. Mary Parish Recreation District #3 met in regular session on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Bayou Vista Community Center.
Members Present: Brian Head – Chairman, Lane Boudreaux – Vice Chairman, Dr. Jeffery Fitter, Eddie Gay, Calvin Johnson, Rachel Kidder, Javon Charles
Employees of the District Present: Mark Richard – Facilities Manager, Angie Guillotte – Office Manager, Kim Willoughby – Activities Director
Secretary: Tyler Lambert
Guest: Gwen Hidalgo – St. Mary Parish Council, Mary Ana Tranchina, Susan Duplantis, Beth Dover, Nadine Walker Mr. Head called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Everyone present stood for the pledge of allegiance.
Board members reviewed the minutes from the August meeting. Mr. Gay motioned to accept the minutes as written. Mrs. Kidder made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Board members reviewed the ac- counts payable re- port and the monthly budget comparison report. Dr. Fitter made a motion to accept the report as is and pay the bills. Mr. Johnson made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Mrs. Guillotte presented the community center re- port and updated the board on the rental activity for the month of September. She brought to the attention of the board an inquiry of KQKI as the current contract in place is set to expire and is up for renewal. A motion was made by Mrs. Kidder to renew the contract which provides the community center with advertising and promotional services. A second was made by Mr. Johnson. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The board enter-ed into a discussion on giving merit raises to community center staff. A motion was made by Mr. Charles to move Activities Director, Kim Willoughby, a full-time, exempt employee, with a base salary of $31,000.00 on a 90-day review period with eligibility for insurance coming 1/1/25. A second was made by Mr. Johnson. All were in favor and the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson to increase Office Manager Angie Guillotte’s hourly rate to $20/hour effective 10/1/24. A second was made by Dr. Fitter. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The board discussed the need to hire an additional park attendant at Central Park. After discussion, the board authorized Mark Richard to oversee the hiring process. No motion was brought to the floor.
Facility Manager, Mark Richard, requested that the board consider in- creasing his allotted vacation days. After much discussion Dr. Fitter made a motion to adopt a policy that allows twenty (20) vacation days to any full-time em- ployee after twenty-five (25) years of employment with the understanding that these vacation days are based on a calendar year and any unused days at the end of the year do not carry over the next year. This policy is to take effect 10/1/24.
In old business, the board revisited the discussion of a walking/bike trail in Bayou Vista. After much discussion, it was decided that the board does not wish to pursue or engage in any other conversations regarding the potential capital outlay project. A motion was made by Mr. Boudreaux that the board be removed/withdraw from any and all decision- making responsibilities, discussions, or considerations regarding this potential project. Mr. Gay made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
In new business, a motion was made by Mr. Gay to amend the 2023-2024 budget as presented. A second to the motion was made by Dr. Fitter. All were in favor and the motion carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Charles to adopt the 2024-2025 budget as presented. A second to the motion was made by Mr. Gay. All were in favor and the motion carried.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Kidder. A second was made by Dr. Fitter. All were in favor. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.
(s) Brian Head
Brian Head,
Chairman
(s) Tyler Lambert
Tyler Lambert,
Secretary
Adv. Nov. 1, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
RECREATION DISTRICT #3 BAYOU VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER
1333 BELLVIEW STREET
P.O. BOX 635
PATTERSON, LA 70392
985-395-6552
The Board of Commissioners of the St. Mary Parish Recreation District #3 met in special session for a budget hearing on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 5:15 p.m. in the meeting room at the Bayou Vista Community Center.
Members Present: Brian Head – Chairman, Lane Boudreaux – Vice Chairman, Dr. Jeffery Fitter, Eddie Gay, Calvin Johnson, Rachel Kidder, Javon Charles
Employees of the District Present: Mark Richard – Facilities Manager, Angie Guillotte – Office Manager Secretary: Tyler Lambert
Guest: Gwen Hidalgo – St. Mary Parish Council
Mr. Head called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Everyone present stood for the pledge of allegiance.
Board members reviewed and discussed the proposed 2024-2025 budget. A motion was made by Mr. Charles to accept the budget as written, pending a discussion with the Parish Council on the lack of budgeted allocated monies being paid to the board. Dr. Fitter made a second to the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
With no further business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Kidder. A second was made by Mr. Charles. All were in favor. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.
(s) Brian Head
Brian Head,
Chairman
(s) Tyler Lambert
Tyler Lambert,
Secretary
Adv. Nov. 1, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Board of Adjustments will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on MONDAY, No- vember 4, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
Take 5 Properties SPV LLC., for a Front Setback Variance to deviate from the re- quired 50 ft to Five (5) ft , a Side Setback Variance to deviate from the required 15 ft to Four (4) ft and a Variance to deviate from the required parking spaces in a Highway Commercial (HC) zoned district located 855 Hwy 90. Patterson, LA- Sec. 26 T16SR12E; -Parcel Id# 2984281003.00-7.43 Ac Por Tract “A” Per Plat 41K 261956 Situated in Sec 26 T16S R12E Acq. 444 341679.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above VARIANCE REQUEST.
St. Mary Parish
Board of Adjustments
John P. Davis,
Chairman
Adv. Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, November 18, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
REZONE RE- QUEST:
Rezoning of property by for Huey Borel Jr c/o Ronnie Thibodaux by Matthew Fore with Miller Engineers & Associates, INC from Agricultural (AG) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 139 Martin Rd. Franklin LA, Sec.27 T14S R9E; Parcel Id# 2534481064.00 Lot Por No 1 Lanclos Est Part Per Plat 126 295867 Situated in Sec 49 T15S R10E Acq 127 295908.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Re- quest.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Planning Commission will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Monday, November 18, 2024 AT 5:45 P.M. in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
REZONE RE- QUEST:
Rezoning of property for Neil Thibodaux represented by Matthew Fore with Miller Engineers & Associates, INC from Light Industrial (LI) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District located at 9080 Hwy 90 Frontage Rd., Franklin LA, Sec.37 T15S R10E; Parcel Id# 2474501018.00 3.56 Ac Por 5.00 AC Tract ABCDA Per Plat 103 292410 Situated in Sec 37 T15S R10E Acq 232 310395.
All persons are invited to this meeting to submit their approval or objections to the above Rezone Re- quest.
St. Mary Parish Planning & Zoning Commission
Barry Druilhet,
Chairman
Adv. Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2024

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Posted on door
October 29, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
City of Patterson Council Meeting
Tuesday – November 12, 2024
6:00 PM
City Hall,
Council Meeting Room
1314 Main Street, Patterson, Louisiana
Notice is hereby given that our November Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM, at City Hall, 1314 Main Street, Council Meeting Room, Patterson, Louisiana
This change of meeting date is due to the 2024 US Elections.
Midge Bourgeois,
City Clerk
City of Patterson
1314 Main Street
Patterson, LA 70392
985-395-5205
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please get in touch with Midge Bourgeois at 985-395-5205 to des-cribe the necessary assistance.
ANY AND ALL BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WITH THEIR UNANIMOUS CONSENT
“City of Patterson is an Equal Opportunity
Provider and
Employer”
Adv. Nov. 1 and 8, 2024

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Dear Abby: An unfaithful ex ponders a pass

DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced from my ex-husband, “Paul,” for 20 years. I never remarried. The divorce was mostly my fault because I was unfaithful. We never tried to save our marriage. He immediately started dating and remarried 18 months later. We have remained friends due to having four children and now grandchildren. I get along with his wife as well.
During the pandemic, I, along with a grown child, moved across the country. Paul and his wife followed us. We live about an hour apart. As it worked out, three of our four kids have also moved to be near us. Over the last two years, I have realized that I miss Paul and have hopes of us being together again. (He does not know this.) I have never disrespected his marriage or his current wife in any way.
They have a unique relationship because they often spend time apart and travel to see their families without each other. I think they also occasionally vacation separately. I know this isn’t necessarily a measure of their love or commitment, but my gut tells me it’s not the marriage they want people to believe it is.
My gut also tells me he may feel the same way I do. I often think he wishes he had done more to help save our marriage. Should I tell him how I feel? I’m happy in my life, but I don’t want to regret not speaking up if there’s a chance we could reunite and be the family I know God intended us to be. Any advice?
REGRETFUL
IN ALABAMA

DEAR REGRETFUL: My goodness, you are certainly having a self-serving conversation with the God you should have spoken to before you committed adultery and blew up your marriage. While it may seem unusual to you, many couples visit their families separately, and some even take short vacations if their spouses aren’t interested.
Do yourself a favor and look for romance elsewhere. Your ex and his wife might greatly appreciate it if you did. Please consider it before possibly embarrassing yourself.

DEAR ABBY: My husband got into a disagreement with our next-door neighbor and no longer acknowledges him or speaks to him when we see him outside. Our neighbor still says hello to me and my special-needs daughter, but my husband doesn’t want me to respond. He says it is “standing by my man.” Is my husband right or wrong? I will follow your advice in this situation.
GOOD NEIGHBOR IN OHIO

DEAR NEIGHBOR: I wish you had mentioned how serious the disagreement between your husband and this neighbor was. That he wants to involve you in this mess doesn’t seem very “manly” to me. Do you want to be used as ammunition? If the answer is no, and you would prefer to keep relations friendly (if only for the sake of your special-needs daughter), then tell your husband to fight his own battle and leave you out of it.

***

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $16 to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Falling for food: Gumbo makes America's fave list

Fall is more than just cooler temperatures.
It's a season rich in flavors that warm the soul. As summer fades, the culinary delights of fall take center stage, with each region of America offering its own unique seasonal specialties. In Illinois, the classic pumpkin pie takes center stage, a sweet symbol of the state’s bountiful pumpkin harvest.
Down in Texas, the arrival of cooler weather heralds the start of chili season, with hearty bowls of beefy goodness that warm the soul.
In Louisiana, of course, it's gumbo weather. And our autumn specialty makes a list of the nation's top 10 autumn dishes, compiled by Wealth of Geeks in a survey of 3,000 foodies.
The top 10:
No. 1 Illinois:
Pumpkin Pie
 In the top spot is the Illinois pumpkin pie! Illinois is the top producer of pumpkins in the United States, making pumpkin pie a quintessential fall dessert in the state. The smooth, spiced filling made from fresh pumpkin puree is a symbol of the autumn harvest.
No. 2: Texas
Chili
Fall in Texas is synonymous with chili season, where this hearty dish becomes a staple at tailgates, cook-offs, and family dinners. Texas chili, often made with beef, chili peppers, and a variety of spices, is a warm, flavorful dish that’s perfect for the cooler fall weather. The rich, spicy flavors of Texas chili reflect the state’s bold culinary traditions, making it a must-have during the fall months. 
No. 3: Alabama
Pecan Pie
Alabama is known for its abundant pecan orchards, making pecan pie a quintessential dessert in the state. The rich, buttery flavor of pecans combined with a sweet, gooey filling makes it the perfect indulgence as the weather cools. Pecan pie is often enjoyed during fall gatherings and holidays, celebrating the harvest season with a dessert that’s as warm and comforting as the Southern hospitality it’s served with. 
No. 4: Louisiana
Gumbo 
It's a quintessential dish in Louisiana, especially during the fall when cooler weather calls for something warm and filling.
This stew, made with a rich roux, seafood, sausage and vegetables, reflects the diverse cultural influences in Louisiana’s cuisine.
Gumbo is often served at family gatherings and festivals in the fall, where its hearty, spicy flavors make it the perfect dish for the season. 
No. 5: Kansas
Pumpkin Bread
Kansas is known for its expansive farmland, where pumpkins are a common fall crop.
Pumpkin bread, made with spiced pumpkin puree and often studded with nuts or raisins, is a popular fall treat in the state.
The moist, flavorful bread is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp fall morning, making it a comforting reminder of the harvest season. 
No. 6: New York
Apple Cider Donuts
New York is famous for its apple orchards, and apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat in the state.
These donuts, often enjoyed fresh from the fryer, are made with spiced apple cider, giving them a sweet and tangy flavor.
The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a warm, comforting touch, making them the perfect snack during a fall visit to a New York orchard or pumpkin patch. 
No. 7: Georgia
Sweet Potato Pie
Georgia’s rich, fertile soil is perfect for growing sweet potatoes, making sweet potato pie a beloved fall dish in the state. This pie, made with mashed sweet potatoes, spices, and a flaky crust, is a Southern classic that’s especially popular during the autumn months.
The natural sweetness of the potatoes, combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a dessert that embodies the comforting flavors of fall. 
No. 8: Arkansas
Chicken and Dumplings
 Chicken and dumplings are a classic comfort food in Arkansas, particularly cherished in the fall. This hearty dish, featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth, is perfect for warming up on a cool autumn day.
The simplicity and heartiness of chicken and dumplings make it a staple in many Arkansas kitchens, especially as families gather for fall dinners. 
No. 9: Kentucky
Bourbon Pecan Pie
The second Pecan Pie to make the top ten, but with a twist for the adults. Kentucky is renowned for its bourbon, and when combined with pecans, it creates a decadent fall dessert that’s hard to resist.
Bourbon pecan pie is rich, sweet, and slightly boozy, with the nuts adding a satisfying crunch. This pie is a Southern classic, often served during fall gatherings and holidays, where it represents Kentucky’s deep-rooted culinary traditions. 
No. 10: Utah
Funeral Potatoes
And rounding up the top 10 are funeral potatoes. A creamy casserole made with shredded potatoes, cheese, and a crunchy topping, is a beloved comfort food in Utah.
While traditionally served at gatherings, funeral potatoes are also a popular dish during the fall, offering warmth and richness that’s perfect for the season.
This dish reflects Utah’s community-focused culture and is often enjoyed at family dinners and holiday feasts. 

Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: Cassidy flexes his fundraising muscles

Portions of Louisiana’s political class have speculated that U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy would serve two terms in the upper chamber and call it a day, rather than run for re-election in 2026. A glance at his fundraising totals, however, tells a very different story. 
 Cassidy is not only far ahead of his fundraising pace compared to his last election, he also has the best-funded campaign of any Senate candidate in Louisiana history (at this point in the cycle), according to his campaign team. 
 Cassidy has raised almost $1.5 million across his re-election, leadership and joint fundraising committees in the third quarter of 2024 — the last full quarter before the 2026 election cycle begins. He will close the quarter with $5.8 million in cash for his main election committee and more than $1 million in his SuperPAC.
 Not to mention the $2.2 million he has raised or given to help Republicans who are in Senate races this year. All this with two years to go in his current term.
 “Our donors include people who have been with Sen. Cassidy since the beginning but also include many new people,” a spokesperson said. “There is a lot of enthusiasm from folks all over the state who appreciate Sen. Cassidy delivering for Louisiana.”
 A closer review of his campaign finances, though, reveals Cassidy is relying heavily on large individual contributions this cycle, as opposed to small-dollar donors like the campaign of U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, as well as strong support from political action committees. 
 While health professionals have always represented the leading industry for Cassidy in terms of donations, he has managed to increase their level of engagement this term, pulling in greater contributions this go around from pharmaceutical companies, health services outfits, health maintenance organizations, hospital systems and nursing homes, in particular.
 As such, Team Cassidy doesn’t seem to have any specific concerns about his re-election, at least not publicly. But should they be worried? 
 Cassidy’s vote to convict then-President Donald Trump in Trump’s second impeachment trial earned an official rebuke from the Louisiana GOP. Under President Joe Biden, Cassidy helped craft a bipartisan infrastructure bill that his Republican delegation colleagues rejected. 
 His team views the impeachment vote as ancient history, adding that Cassidy worked closely with Trump during his first term as president and looks forward to doing so again. And they’re happy to tout the infrastructure bill; as it turns out, people like roads, bridges and flood protection. 
 But even if Cassidy is broadly popular, he still is mistrusted by much of the conservative base. And in 2026, assuming he’s running as a Republican, he will have to get through a party primary, where he could face a serious challenge from his right. 
 Cassidy has bashed the new primary system that Gov. Jeff Landry pushed through with U.S. Sen. John Kennedy’s blessing, citing the cost. But his supporters will note that he won party primaries in 2008 and 2010 in his races for the U.S. House. 
 “He’s going to need money to fend off whoever is going to run against him,” said Pearson Cross, a political scholar who directs the School of Behavioral & Social Sciences at UL-Monroe. “If he does face a well-known and well-funded challenger from the right, that could be a real problem for him.” 
 But who might that challenger be? Treasurer John Fleming is one possibility. He finished fifth in the 2016 open primary for the Senate seat that Kennedy won, and served in the U.S. House and in the Trump administration. 
 Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is another. He was chosen to deliver the Louisiana delegates’ votes for Trump during the Republican National Convention, where there was chatter that he might make a run at Cassidy in 2026. 
 Of current delegation members, Cross could see Congressman Clay Higgins taking a shot. 
 But while political analyst, former Senate staffer and Dillard University professor Robert Collins also expects a challenge to Cassidy from the right, he doesn’t see any real threats on the horizon. 
 “It would need to be a Trump-endorsed candidate who is already known statewide and can raise external money from outside of the state, and I don’t know who that would be,” Collins said. “Other than Jeff Landry, the person that I just mentioned doesn’t exist.” 
 And at this point, Landry does not appear to have a burning desire to return to D.C., where he served a term in the House.
Incumbent senators are hard to dislodge, and they get donations from groups that only give to incumbents. 
 “Whatever his challenger has [in their campaign war chest], he’s going to be able to triple or quadruple it,” Collins said.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.

John K. Flores: Deer season forecast

This past weekend Addalynn Dugas, an 8-year-old from Centerville, killed her first deer in the marsh. As the story goes, father and daughter got in the stand just before daylight. The morning was foggy, and the two hunters earnestly scanned a lane where they normally see deer.
Hunting deer in the fog just before sunrise can be a unique experience. Everything is dripping wet with dew and there generally isn’t the slightest breeze. It’s an enchantingly quiet time as water droplets fall on the broad fan-shaped palmetto and bull tongue leaves around you.
When Addalynn’s father, Ross Dugas, turned to talk to her he saw a buck maybe 15 yards away out of the stand’s window.
“He definitely sneaked up on us,” the older Dugas said. “We never heard him or anything.”
According to Addalynn the buck was on the move and walked out perfectly in front of the stand, only stopping when her father made a little grunt sound. That’s when the young hunter made a good shot using a Ruger Model 44 semi-auto rifle that she had been practicing with.
After the shot she says the deer ran into the tall grass where it expired.
Ross Dugas said, “We went opening weekend and we saw maybe four deer, but it was really windy, and they were all over 100 yards out. We wanted her to get a shot as close as we possibly could.”
“We felt anything under 50 yards would be great — maybe 70 yards if conditions were perfect,” Dugas continued. “He was 40 yards away and she had been practicing at that distance. In fact, we went shooting at the range the Monday before the opener.”
Addalynn’s father says his daughters’ emotions went from being a little bit nervous to really excited during the hunt and she is already talking about getting her next deer.
Now that the long deer hunting season is fully underway statewide, what can St. Mary Parish’s deer hunters expect this year?
Johnathan Bordelon, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Deer Program Manager, says deer harvest numbers have been steadily increasing across the state.
Bordelon said, “Deer harvest in Louisiana has been trending upwards in recent years. A new 10 year high in reported harvest has been measured in each of the past 3 seasons. The 2023-24 harvest was the highest reported deer harvest since mandatory tagging began in 2008.”
Bordelon went on to say that the LDWF also tracks estimated harvest in addition to reported harvest through the Annual Hunter Harvest Survey. The annual survey dates back to 1970. The survey showed estimated harvest numbers were similar to the reported harvest numbers last season.
Most of St. Mary Parish’s deer hunting falls into LDWF Hunt Areas 7 and 9, with most of the parish in Area 7’s coastal marsh. Bordelon says Area 7’s deer harvest has also been trending upwards and its population is stable, where an increase in harvest should continue.
One point that the State’s top deer biologist made concerning both Area 7 and 9 is these two regions were impacted with inland flooding from hurricane Francine.
Bordelon said, “Fawn survival is a concern where significant inland flooding is concerned. In the case of Area 7, the rut and subsequent fawning occurs early. Fawning begins as early as April in the area. The early fawning and fawn growth in advance of the late summer storms makes them better equipped for survival. Inland impacts to fawns in Area 9 should be minimal outside of the surge impacted areas.”
The thing about fawn mortality is it’s typically something not fully noticeable during the current season. It is the following season where recruitment of these younger deer impacts the overall herd numbers in specific areas. Bordelon said, “Deer Area 9 is the only deer area where an upward trend in reported harvest has not been measured. A more conservative antlerless season is in place for Deer Area 9. Limited either sex days have reduced harvest pressure on antlerless deer in the deer area. Due to recent storms and continued harvest trend, the conservative antlerless season structure will likely remain into the near future.”
Ross Dugas says his daughter has been helping him grind deer meat to make sausage and boudin since she was old enough to press the buttons on the grinder and vacuum sealer.
After the hunt, Addalynn, a Centerville Elementary student, said to her father, “Saturday must have been my lucky day. I got my first deer and made the Principal’s List.”
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.

Youth survives plunge from U.S. 90 bridge

A juvenile male was rescued from the Atchafalaya River on Thursday night after dropping from the U.S. 90 bridge, the St. Mary Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies were sent to the bridge about 8 p.m. "in reference to a male who was hanging on to the fence area of the bridge," the Sheriff's Office said.

As deputies arrived, the juvenile plunged into the river for unknown reasons and was retrieved by law enforcement officers.

He did not appear to be seriously injured and was transported to a medical facility as precaution for evaluation, the Sheriff's Office said.

Sheriff Gary Driskell thanked the Morgan City and Berwick police departments for their assistance.

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Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874

Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255